How to get certified copies of your certificates

When an advert asks for "certified copies", it means photocopies that a Commissioner for Oaths (an advocate), a Magistrate or an authorised public officer has checked against your originals and stamped.

Steps

1. Make clear photocopies of each certificate: KCSE, diploma or degree, professional certificates, and your ID.
2. Take the copies and the originals to a Commissioner for Oaths.
3. They compare each copy with the original, then sign, stamp and date every page.

Good to know

• Scan the certified copies as PDFs (300 dpi is clear enough) with simple names like Degree.pdf and ID.pdf, ready for online applications.
• Never send original certificates with an application unless the employer explicitly asks at the vetting stage.